Birmingham, Alabama, is well-known for hot, sunny weather and excessive humidity, when I relocated to the area, I knew that air conditioning would abruptly become a priority, however until then, I’d typically lived along the northern border of the country! Although I’d moved around a lot, I’d never strayed from those areas that require heating and a snow shovel for the majority of the year, and the winters were long, frigid cold and kept me mostly indoors.
Air conditioning was considered a luxury rather than a necessity, but living in Birmingham, I hide indoors during the summers to escape the oppressive heat and look forward to the cooler conditions of winter, i’ve discovered that high humidity is more than sticky and uncomfortable.
It can cause health problems and disfigurement to loft furnishings. A sizzling and moist environment is ideal for growing mold and mildew, then bacteria, viruses, dust mites and cockroaches thrive in that type of temperature. Wood furnishings, such as musical instruments, antiques, doors and floors are in danger of swelling and warping. An abundance of humidity can be blamed for headaches, congestion, difficulty sleeping and lethargy. While the air conditioner helps with the moisture, it isn’t sufficient. I decided to invest into a whole-loft dehumidifier. Installed into the central cooling system, the dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air as it travels through. It ensures recommended humidity levels at all times. Because of the dehumidifier, the loft feels cooler at a higher temperature control setting, saving cash on yearly electric bills. Less wear and tear on the air conditioner supports greater longevity and reliability. The dehumidifier runs quietly and requires only annual upkeep. I have it ran tests on along with the air conditioner every Spring.